(ZENIT News / Manila, 07.22.2024).- In a world where divorce is a common legal practice, the Philippines stands out as the last country yet to legalize civil divorce. As the nation grapples with this contentious issue, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has published a document titled «A Nation Founded on the Family, a Family Founded on Marriage,» articulating their stance on this critical debate.
The bishops acknowledge the secular nature of the Filipino state and the religious freedom enjoyed by its citizens. They emphasize that their role is not to dictate state policy but to share their belief that a genuine marriage is indissoluble. They argue that legalizing divorce does not necessarily protect the common good or family welfare, citing research and statistics to support their position.
With Catholics making up 80% of the Filipino population, the influence of the Church is substantial. However, public opinion is shifting, with recent surveys indicating that nearly half of Filipinos now support the legalization of divorce. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signaled openness to the idea, suggesting that the country may be on the brink of significant legal change.
Pro-divorce advocates frame the issue as a fundamental human right, akin to access to healthcare and education. In 2023, a Senate committee approved a bill to legalize divorce, which is now awaiting a second reading, possibly in the coming year.
In response, the bishops have reiterated the biblical teaching, «What God has joined together, let no man separate» (Matthew 19:6). They stress that the Catholic Church upholds this teaching even in countries where civil divorce is legal, underscoring that not all marriages are deemed to be «joined by God.»
Using the Tagalog phrase «maghunosdili muna tayo at mag-isip-isip» (let us calm down and think carefully), the bishops urge caution among those eager to legalize absolute divorce. They question whether making it easier for couples to dissolve their marriages civilly is truly in the best interest of society, especially when such decisions might be driven by temporary misunderstandings or conflicts.
The bishops acknowledge that some marriages are indeed irreparably broken, but they warn against hasty decisions. They cite statistics from countries where divorce is legal, showing high failure rates for subsequent marriages—48% for the first marriage, 60% for the second, and 70% for the third, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.
While they do not seek to impose rules on civil marriage, the bishops hope that lawmakers will seriously consider the profound implications of legalizing divorce. They call for thoughtful dialogue with citizens, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the family unit as enshrined in the Filipino Constitution.
The CBCP highlights the unique constitutional provision that recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation, with marriage as an inviolable social institution protected by the state. They argue that this should be a source of national pride and a testament to the country’s commitment to family values.
Finally, the bishops point out that there are already legal remedies available for troubled marriages, suggesting that both the Church and the state should work together to enhance these solutions rather than resorting to divorce. They believe the absence of civil divorce laws should make couples more deliberate in their decision to marry, reflecting the high value placed on family as the cornerstone of society.
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